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Guide to the Governor Francis E. Warren records (1st Term Territorial)

 Collection
Identifier: RG0001.06

Scope and Content

Correspondence and record series covering appointment records, petitions for pardons, the requisition and extradition of fugitives, organization of new counties, and Indian and military affairs. Topics include livestock, Indians, railroad routes, university lands, indebtedness of territory, Chinese issues including the massacre at Rock Springs, Wyoming, mining, women's suffrage, appointments, pardons for convicts, legislative matters, statehood, arid lands, militia, game and fish, Yellowstone Park, education of deaf and blind persons, and various conventions. Records concerning Indian and military affairs include disposition of abandoned military reservation lands, relief for Indians, complaints against Indians, rumored troubles, and the Shoshone Reservation.

Dates

  • 1885-1886

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Restrictions on Access

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Biography

Francis E. Warren was appointed Territorial Governor of Wyoming by President Chester A. Arthur. He served from February 28, 1885 to November 11, 1886 and served a second term when appointed by President Benjamin Harrison from April 9, 1889 to October 11, 1890. Warren was born in Hinsdale, Berkshire County, Massachusetts on June 20, 1844 and attended the common schools in his area and Hinsdale Academy. During the Civil War, Warren enlisted and fought with the Company C, 49th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, eventually advancing to non-commissioned officer. His service was highlighted by the award of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Warren also served as a Captain in the Massachusetts Militia. The future Governor farmed and raised stock in Massachusetts and then went to Wyoming in 1868. There the new Wyoming citizen operated a variety of businesses ranging from real estate to livestock. He promoted the first lighting system in Cheyenne, where he also served on the city council and the Territorial Assembly, becoming its president. Warren continued his interest in politics as chairman of the Republican Territorial Central Committee, Territorial Treasurer, and Mayor of Cheyenne. During his second term as Territorial Governor, Wyoming was granted statehood on July 10, 1890. Territorial Governor Warren was then elected Wyoming's first State Governor September 11, 1890 and served until he resigned to become Wyoming's second United States Senator on November 24, 1890. Senator Warren was serving in the Senate when he died November 24, 1929.

Extent

1 cubic feet (2 boxes = 1 cubic feet)

Abstract

Records of Governor Francis E. Warren's first term as Territorial Governor of Wyoming feature the usual topics associated with the office. Notable issues include the Chinese Massacre at Rock Springs, railroad routes, women's suffrage, Indians, and livestock matters. Many petitions for pardons and appointment records are included. Records also document an incident at Almy, where Chinese victims were robbed. Surviving documentation includes a report of the Chinese Consul at New York to the Chinese Minister, and a letter from a U.S. State Department official to the U.S. District Attorney for Wyoming regarding a complaint from the minister.

Organization and Arrangement

The collection is divided into six subgroups including: General Records, Administrative Records, Appointment Records, Proclamations, Petitions for Pardons, and Requisitions and Extraditions.

Provenance/Source of Acquisition

MA 346, transferred to Wyoming State Archives on April 6, 1957.

Title
Guide to the Governor Francis E. Warren records (1st Term Territorial)
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
Processed by Curtis Greubel
Date
© 1988
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Repository Details

Part of the Wyoming State Archives, Wyoming Cultural Resources Division, Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources Repository

Contact:
Barrett Building
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne Wyoming 82002 United States
(307) 777-7826